Fulfilling Promises - Grandfather Mountain

From the Ground Up: Conservation Campus in Progress

Mar 24, 2022

Follow the construction progress of the new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, featuring all new state-of-the-art museum exhibits (designed by PGAV Destinations of St. Louis, Missouri), as well as outdoor learning spaces, an amphitheater, botanical garden and more....

Tom & Katherine Bunn: Combining their Passions for Childhood Education and Nature

Mar 23, 2022

Grandfather Mountain and its surrounding foothills have been the backdrop for childhood experiences and family memories for Tom and Katherine Bunn. But in recent years, the couple has decided to place an increased focus on the mountain by supporting the Grandfather...

Barry & Dottie Cook: Deep Mountain Roots and Love of Family

Sep 30, 2021

Barry Cook’s father was born on Joe White’s Mountain. And so were several of his aunts and uncles. You can see it from Grandfather Mountain. It’s one of the reasons he feels so connected to the area. Nearly 30 years ago he and his wife, Dottie, bought a home with...

Luther H. Hodges Jr.: Honoring Friendship & Family Connections

Jun 15, 2021

Luther H. Hodges and Hugh Morton fished together at Grandfather Lake, and their families shared many happy days on the mountain. They also shared a common commitment to the state of North Carolina, with Hodges leaving a legacy of public service, industrialization,...

David & Cathy Thompson: At Home on Grandfather Mountain

Mar 16, 2021

David Thompson moved to the United States from Ontario, Canada, at age 18. He’s lived here ever since and loves it. But when he and wife Cathy first visited Grandfather Mountain in 2008, something significant happened.He turned to his wife and said, “Cathy, I found my...

Grandfather Mountain adds EV charging stations

Jan 27, 2021

Many visitors to Grandfather Mountain describe their experience as “energizing.” Those with electric vehicles can now take that literally.

Ginny Burton: Happy to Forage Because of Her Love for Grandfather Mountain’s Animals

Nov 20, 2020

Millie, Ginny Burton and Jesse Pope celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Conservation Campus, which took place on September 2, 2019. Construction began this summer and is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2021. On a beautiful day in autumn, you might find...

John & Connie McLendon: Inspired by the Wonders of Weather at Grandfather Mountain

Oct 29, 2020

One of the most exciting features of the coming Wilson Center for Nature Discovery will be more than 12 new interactive exhibits that will enable visitors to experience the 16 natural communities that comprise Grandfather Mountain. PVAG Destinations, a recognized...

Barbara & Jim Goodmon: 50 Years of Love First Celebrated at Grandfather Mountain

Sep 29, 2020

Barbara and Jim Goodmon. Photo by Monty Combs | GMSF Barbara and Jim Goodmon have many happy memories of Grandfather Mountain. One that stands out the most is their honeymoon some 50 years ago. They drove from Memphis, Tenn., to stay at Hound Ears Club near Boone, as...

Bob & Susan Wilson: Honoring Family and a Commitment to Environmental Education

Jul 14, 2020

Bob and Susan Wilson break ground on the new conservation campus on Sept. 2, 2019. Grandfather Mountain is grateful for their extraordinary commitment to its educational mission. Robert and Susan Wilson have deep connections to our region. Susan’s family members were...